Winter storms are part of life in the Northeast. While fresh snow can be beautiful, it also brings challenges for safe propane deliveries. At Superior Energy, our top priority is keeping your home warm and keeping our drivers safe while they’re out on the road serving our community.

A few simple steps at your home can make a big difference during the winter months. Here’s how you can help ensure smooth, safe deliveries after snow and ice.

1. Plan Ahead Before the Snow Season

Before the first major snowfall:

Flag your tank’s location with a tall marker.
Walk your property and identify hazards for snow removal crews.
Inform driveway/plow contractors to avoid pushing snow toward the tank.
Consider enrolling in automatic delivery to avoid dangerous and costly run-outs.

Winter-proof your home

2. Clear Snow and Ice from Your Driveway

Propane delivery trucks require safe, unobstructed access to your tank—especially after a storm.

Please clear snow and ice from your driveway as thoroughly as possible. Even if your own vehicle can make it through, our bulk propane trucks are much heavier and wider, and they need stable, clear surfaces to maneuver safely.

A well-cleared driveway helps prevent:

Vehicle sliding or getting stuck
Damage to your property
Delays in service for you and your neighbors

Prevent Frozen Pipes

3. Push Snowbanks Back Where Possible

If you’re able, push snowbanks back from the edges of your driveway. Our trucks need extra room to turn, back up, and position safely near your tank.

Tight spaces increase the risk of accidents, especially when roads and driveways are icy. A little extra space goes a long way.

4. Salt or Sand Sloped Driveways

If your driveway has a slope or hill, please salt or sand it before delivery.

This helps prevent:

Truck tires from slipping
Drivers from losing footing while walking to your tank
Equipment from shifting unexpectedly

These small precautions make winter deliveries much safer for everyone involved.

Winter Propane Safety Tips

5. Unlock and Clear Access to Your Propane Tank

Please make sure:

Any gates to your propane tank are unlocked
Snow is cleared away from gates and entry points

Heavy snowfall can easily block gates or freeze them shut, which can delay your delivery or make it unsafe for our driver to proceed.

6. Clear a Safe Walking Path to Your Tank

We kindly ask that you clear a safe walking path from your driveway to your propane tank so our driver can reach the fill valve.

This helps our team:

Work efficiently
Minimize time spent outdoors in extreme cold
Avoid slips and falls

Need help?

If you’re a senior or physically unable to clear a path, please contact our office. We’re happy to discuss the best way we can assist you.

7. Be Gentle When Clearing Around Your Tank

If you clear snow near your propane tank, please follow these tips to help prevent accidental damage to your tank, piping, or safety components.

Avoid this:

Using shovels, metal tools, or anything sharp near the tank.
Avoid power tools or metal equipment
Kicking or chipping ice off the tank (can damage valves or regulators).

Do this:

Brush off snow from the tank, access path, valves, and fill pipe using a broom or your hands.
Keep all appliance vents, regulators, and chimneys free from snow or ice.
Mark the tank with a tall, brightly colored stake/flag before heavy snowfall.

Learn more about Tank Safety